How do I actually start the VAD process?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 6 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

In most places where voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is operating, the process starts when you make a clear first request to the right kind of health practitioner.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you whether VAD is available or lawful in your personal situation. VAD rules and first request steps differ by state and territory, so confirm the current process with your official VAD care navigator service, doctor or authorised VAD practitioner.

In most places where voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is operating, the process starts when you make a clear first request to the right kind of health practitioner. Usually this is a doctor. In the ACT it may be an authorised doctor or nurse practitioner.

Before you make a formal first request, it is reasonable to ask for information, speak with your GP or specialist, and contact the VAD care navigator service in your state or territory. Asking for information is usually not the same as starting the formal process.

Step 1: find the right place to ask

Many people start with a GP, specialist, palliative care doctor or treating hospital team. You can say that you want information about VAD and ask whether they can help.

If your usual doctor cannot help, contact the official care navigator service. Care navigators can explain the pathway, answer general questions, and often help connect you with a practitioner who is willing and able to assess a request.

This can be useful if:

your GP does not provide VAD
your specialist is hard to reach
you live in a regional area
you are in hospital or aged care
you are not sure whether your illness meets the rules
you need an interpreter or communication support

Step 2: ask for information before deciding

You do not have to make a formal request at the first conversation. You can ask:

"Can I have information about voluntary assisted dying and whether it may apply to me?"

The health practitioner may talk with you about your illness, prognosis, treatment choices, palliative care, symptoms, family support, and why you are thinking about VAD. This is not meant to talk you into or out of VAD. It is part of making sure you understand your options.

Some places restrict who can raise VAD first. In Victoria, current law says the person must raise VAD before a health practitioner can discuss it, although changes are due to take effect in April 2027. South Australia also has restrictions on health practitioners initiating VAD discussions. Queensland, WA, Tasmania, NSW and the ACT have their own rules. This is one reason to check local guidance.

Step 3: make a clear first request if you decide to proceed

If you decide you want to start the formal VAD pathway, you need to make a clear request in the way your law requires.

Plain words are best. Depending on your state or territory, you could say:

"I want to make a first request for voluntary assisted dying."

Or:

"I want to ask for help to access voluntary assisted dying."

In some places, the first request must be made during a medical consultation. In some places telehealth may be allowed for parts of the conversation, but federal carriage service laws can limit VAD discussions by phone, email, video or other electronic means. Ask the care navigator or practitioner what must happen in person.

Step 4: expect assessment by more than one practitioner

The first request does not mean VAD will happen. It starts a legal process.

The usual pathway includes:

a first request
a first eligibility assessment
a second independent assessment
a written request or declaration
a final request
a final review or assessment
decisions about how the VAD substance would be supplied or administered

The exact number and name of steps differs. New South Wales describes 11 steps. Queensland describes 3 phases with several steps. The ACT describes 10 steps. Victoria, WA, SA and Tasmania each have their own pathway.

You can stop or pause the process. Being assessed as eligible does not mean you must use the VAD substance.

Step 5: plan for time

VAD is not emergency care. Even where the law has a minimum period between the first and final request, the whole process can take longer. Doctors may need medical records, specialist reports, proof of residency, interpreter arrangements, or time to complete required forms and training.

If you think VAD may matter to you, it is usually better to ask for information early rather than waiting until a crisis. See How early should I start the VAD process?.

What about the Northern Territory?

The Northern Territory legislation portal recorded the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026 as passed on 27 August 2026. At the time this page was checked, I could not verify an official commencement date, operational pathway or care navigator service. Until an official NT source confirms the scheme is operating, people in the NT should not assume they can start a VAD process there.

When to get help now

If your symptoms are severe, changing quickly or hard to control, contact your palliative care team, treating specialist, GP or after-hours health service. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.

If VAD thoughts are linked with immediate distress, panic, feeling unsafe or thoughts of harming yourself outside a lawful VAD process, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 if there is immediate danger.